Going back to work

Been there, done that

by Good Dog - 2016-06-12 16:23:53

I had my PM implanted at age 38. I vowed that I would not allow it to imapct my life in any way. After 30 years and many job changes; I can tell you that it hasn't.

Your PM should have zero impact on your job and/or your life in any way. The decision to tell your co-workers and your boss is a personal one and you make that decision based upon how comfortable you are with it. There is no reason not to tell people. My approach has been that unless I was discussing health issues, I generally didn't tell anyone I had a PM. It is up to you. I told only my closest and best friends. As far as it impacting your job search; there is no reason to tell anyone unless you are answering health questions related to a physical examination. A potential employer cannot discriminate against you as long as you can physically do the job. As far as I was concerned, there are no jobs out there that I could not physically do. So the sky is the limit.

Do not...........Do not............Do not allow your PM to define your life. The purpose of your Pm is to allow you to live a normal life. You should live your life as though you do not have one. Just go out there and live..........enjoy!

Thanks

by sfp1 - 2016-06-12 16:30:52

Thanks, Good Dog! It's still all so new. I'm trying to be positive but it is still up and down for me at this point.

It's really nice to hear your experience. I tend to be a private person so really prefer that only family and close friends know, at least till I am more confident in how I am feeling (mentally and physically)!.

Glad you are still ticking/zipping along!

You are welcome

by Good Dog - 2016-06-12 17:06:40

Thanks for the kind words. Hey, I understand how difficult it can be in the beginning. I think that everyone goes through a mental adjustment period. If you didn't, you wouldn't be normal.

I intially thought that my life was over (at least as I knew it).  I was fine one day and went into full heart block the next. My doc didn't tell me anything after the implant except that I wasn't to do anything and come back to see him in 3 weeks. It would have been nice had he at least given me some clue that I might be able to live a normal life. There was no internet at that time. So it wasn't easy to research it. Within about 4 months I was playing basketball and baseball pretty competitively. Obviously, I came to realize pretty darn quick that I could do anything I wanted.

I wish you the very best!

David

Life is good with a PM

by AJ1332 - 2016-06-17 16:22:52

hi there:

For most occupations, a PM is something that doesn't have to be shared, paritcularly if you had one placed before you started at the new position. Some occupations do have limits on hiring with PM (firefighters, etc), but if the PM doesn't hinder your completion of job duties or require any special accomodations (e.g. if you're a welder, no arc-welding etc), then it's up to you whether or not you share it.

Good luck with the job search--hope you find a fulfilling position soon!

AJ

Going back to work

by sfp1 - 2016-06-17 17:24:22

Hi AJ,

Thanks.

I hope your journey has improved since last year too!